Thermostat



'Dea 24, 1946. W B GRlFFn-H 2,413,140

THERMOSTAT Fled DSC. 12, 1941 6.5 M Ffa/.zb

la.. P "y" Patented Dec. 24, 1946 THERMOSTAT William B. Griith, Audubon. N. J., assignor to Fire-Devices, Inc., a corporation of New Jersey Application December 12, 1941, Serial No. 422,762

(Cl. 20D-140) 21 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in fire protection apparatus and particularly to thermostats for controlling electrical circuits for giving an alarm and actuating other devices.

The object of my invention is to provide a rapid rate in rise of temperature thermostat with fixed temperature operating means.

A further object is to embody a fixed temperature element in the air chamber of a rate in rise of temperature thermostat, whereby the thermostat will be actuated by the xed temperature element in the event of a slow smoldering lire which would permit the temperature within the thermostat casing to equalize with the temperature surrounding the casing Without operating the rate in rise of temperature means. My device will actuate when the atmosphere surrounding the thermostat reaches a predetermined temperature and will operate the thermostat and close the electric circuit regardless of the time consumed for the iire to develop.

A further object is to provide a xed temperature element in the form of a spring which is directly mounted upon the inner surface of the heat conducting metal shell of the thermostat. and conilne the spring in a restricted position by means of material which will fuse and release the spring at a predetermined temperature and actuate the thermostat.

A further object is to provide means for electrically insulating the spring for preventing the latter and the shell of the thermostat from being energized after the spring has been released and closed the circuit between the conductors of the thermostat.

A further object is to construct a stop plate, or support, for the flexible diaphragm oi' a rate in rise of temperature thermostat so that the stop plate will permit the free movements of the spring of the iixed temperature device to pass freely through an opening formed in the Stop plate.

A further object is to construct the body of the thermostat with a novel testing vent and means for sealing the vent.

A further object is to provide a thermostat of unit construction having a rate in rise of temperature device and iixed temperature operating means which will be durable and can be manufactured at a low cost.

These together with various other novel fea.- tures of construction and arrangement of the parts. which will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed, constitute my invention.

Referring to the accompanying drawing:

- relation with the central 38 to which the wire Il is attached. The free Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view similar to Fig. 1 showing the parts in the operative position.

Fig. 3 is a plan view oi Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the xed temperature element and showing novel means for attaching a sheet of insulating material.

In the drawing, in which like reference characters refer to like parts. 5 represents a thermostat body, or support, of unit construction, formed of insulating material and provided with a recess E, enclosed by a removable cover 8. Lugs I0 are provided upon the body 5 adapted for mounting the body upon the ceiling oi a room to be protected from re hazard.

The body 5 is provided with openings I2 for the entrance oi wires I3 and I4 of an electric circuit including a source of current, or battery I5, an alarm device, or bell I6. or other device I1. A hemispherical shell I8, formed of thin heat conducting metal, is mounted upon the body 5 and forms an air chamber 20. The Shell I 8 is tightly secured upon the annular depending portion 2I of the body 5. A flexible corrugated diaphragm 22 is mounted within the shell I8 and forms one wall of the chamber 20.

The body 5 is also provided with an airrelief chamber 25, which is in communication with the atmosphere through a passage 25 formed in the body 5; The diaphragm 22 is mounted in spaced portion of the body 5 and the chamber 25 permits the diaphragm to be deiiected.

A pair of electrical contacts 2'8 and 29 are mounted upon the body 5. The contact 28 consists of a screw located centrally upon the body and adjustably mounted in a sleeve, or rivet 3.0, having a bore provided with a screw thread engaged by the screws 28. A conductor plate 3l, of `T-shaped construction is secured upon the body 5 by the sleeve 30 and also by a rivet 32. The plate 3l is provided with a binding screw 3@ to which the wire I3 isattached.

The contact 29 is in the form of a spring plate having one end thereof secured by a rivet 35 to the body 5. A conductor plate 38 is also secured to the body by the rivet 35. The body 5 has an upstanding wall 3'! for insulating the plate 85 from the contact screw 28.

The plate 36 is provided with a binding screw end of the spring contact plate 28 is normally in spaced relation to the contact screw 28 and anarco an aperture l-3. The sleeve l2 is in threaded engagement with the body and is adapted to be adjusted ior allowing slow changes of air pressure within the chamber 2@ to equalize with the atmosphere in a manner well lmown in the art.

A sudden rate in rise ci temperature thermostat is :formed as above described which will distend the diaphragm 22 and close the circuit between the contacts 28 and 29, when the air conned in the chamber 2Q, by the -restricted orifice di), expands due to a sudden increase in temperature acting upon the outer surface of the shell it in the event of a re.

A novel feature of my invention is a 4iixed temperature element, or actuating means 435,

` adapted for closing the electric circuit between the contacts 28 and 29, in the event of a slow smoldering ilre causing a rise in temperature which is too slow to operate the diaphragm, the :dxed temperature element d5 will actuate the thermostat at a predetermined temperature.

The xed temperature element d5 comprises a spring preferably in the form o a fiat plate spring d5 and located within the chamber 2G. V The spring 45 is provided with a folded or looped portion B6, located adjacent to the center of its length, with the members 4l and H8 positioned approximately at right angles and forming the restricted medial portion 45.'

`'Foe hired-temperature element or spring 45 The xed temperature element, or spring d5,

is electrically insulated from the diaphragm 22 in a novel manner. A layer or sheet of insulating material 60 is attached to the cylindrically curved medial portion of the plate spring 15, by

-means of end tongues 5I and 52, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The spring i5 is provided with apertures S3 and ed to receive said tongues, thereby rigidly securing the sheet 5G. to the spring t5 for insulating the latter from the diaphragm 22 and thereby .preventing the shell i3 from being charged when the electric circuit is closed between the contacts 28 and 28, by the engagement of the diaphragm with the contact plate 29, as shown in Fig. 2.

A novel testing means is provided for calibrating the rate of the escapement of air from the chamber 28 through the restricted orifice di), and for regulating the adjustment of the contact screw 28, after the device has been completely assembled.

The chamber 26, in addition to having the restricted orifice 4B, is provided With'an aperis formed with its members 4l and 48 of slightly diierent lengths. An end portion 48 of the longer member 4l is permanently secured to the inner surface of the shell la by welding or securing it with hard solder 5d. The spring 45 is placed under deection and the end portion 5I of the shorter member 48 is secured tothe inner surface of the shell by soft solder 52, or other material which is fusible at a predetermined temperature. By this construction the medial portion @t of the spring 45 is normally held in spaced relation with the diaphragm 22.

A stop, orsupport plate 5t is provided for limiting the movement of the diaphragm 22 by excess pressure without the chamber 20. The

plate 54 is provided with a central aperture, or

opening 55, for the `passage'of the medial portion 48 of the spring 45, into engagement with the diaphragm 22, for moving the latter and the contact plate 28 into electrical contact Vwith the center contact screw 28, when the fixed temperaplate 54 is provided Awith a similar flange 58 which nts over the ange 56 of the diaphragm. By this construction the outer edges of the diaphragm 22 and stop plate 54 are rigidly mounted upon the body 5, and electrically insulated from the shell I8. The support, or body 5, is provided with an annular recess 5S surrounding the diaphragm and through which the restricted orifice 48 and the passage 66 communicate with theA air chamber 2E.

ture 66, as shown in Fig. 1, or an aperture 56a, as shown in Fig. 2, through which air under pressure may be forced into the chamber 2li. The aperture 68 is formed through the body, or support 5, and has a conical portion 6l which is adapted to be sealed by a lead pellet E8 after the device has been tested. 'Ihe conical aperture 6l is adapted for readily attaching an air hose having a conical nozzle, not shown in the drawing. I'he testing aperture 56a, shown in Fig. 2, is formed through a iitting 1li attached directly to the shell I8. Said tting 'I0 is provided with a threaded sleeve lI adapted for the attachment of an air hose coupling, not shown in the drawing. The aperture a is adapted to be sealed by means of a lead pellet, such as shown at 68 in Fig. 1, or by a screw, or threaded A plug l2, as shown in Fig. 2.

By providing the device with a testing aperture 56, or 58a, communicating with the chamber 2li, which aperture is separate from the restricted orifice Q0, the device can be readily tested after it is assembled to .ascertain if the chamber 20 is air tight and theshell I8 and other parts are properly secured upon the body.

5 to prevent leakage.

By applying air under pressure through the aperture 66, or the aperture 56a, to the chamber 20 the diaphragm 22 may be distended under a predetermined air pressure and the screw 28 may be adjusted so that the electric circuit will be closed between the contacts 28 and the diaphragm at the desired pressure of air within the chamber 20.

An adjustment of the restricted orifice 4D is made possible by providing the chamber 2|! with a testingaperture. When air is injected through*- an aperture 65, or 56a, into the chamber 2U under the desired testing pressure, the sleeve 42, of

the restricted orice 40, may be adjusted until the necessary pressure is applied by said sleeve 42 to the filtering material 4I, for regulating the rate of escapement of air through the restricted orice 40, from the chamber-'20 and said rate may be y calibrated to permit the air to equalize with the atmosphere within a deilnite period of time.

Heretofore in devices of this character the Various parts were tested separately before they were attached and assembled in the completedstructure. My novel testing means assures accuracy in operation and all uncertainty is eliminated.

The operation of my invention is as follows:

ariane In the event of a nre causing asudden increase in the temperature ci the air, surrounding the shell I8, the pressure of the air within the chamber 20 will increase and distend the diaphragm and close the electric circuit between the contacts 28 and 29 and operate the signal devices I6 and i1.

The diaphragm 22 will maintain the circuit closed during the time required for the air under pressure in the chamber 20 to equalize with the atmosphere through the restricted orifice 40. Ii the increase in the pressure of the air in the chamber 20 is slow and equalizes with the atmosphere without moving the diaphragm, the :tinted temperature element, or spring 45, will operate the diaphragm and close the circuit,v when the fire reaches a predetermined temperature. When the atmosphere surrounding the shell i8 reaches a predetermined temperature the iusible material 52 will melt and release the spring d5. When so released the spring I will engage and move the diaphragm into the position shown in Fig. 2,' and maintain the diaphragm 22 and the contact plate 29 in circuit closing position with the contact screw 28, thereby continuously operating the alarm or devices included in the electric circuit.

Various changes in the construction and arrangement ci the parts may be made without departing from my invention.

I claim: Y. 1. In a device oi the character described, an insulating support, a pair of conducting members mounted thereon and adapted for connection to a source of current supply and a signal, a pair of conductors each electrically connected to'one of said conducting members respectively, a heatconducting air chamber mounted on said insulat- .i ing said diaphragmwith ing support and provided with an air opening therein, a flexible metallic vdiaphragm electrically7 connected with one of said conductors and forming a wall of saidchamber and automatically movable relatively to the other one of said conductors to close the circuit and energize the signal by the expansion of air in said chamber, a releasable vspring mounted in said chamber and adapted to positively move said diaphragm into circuit closing position, and fusible means normally holding said spring in inoperative position.

2. In a device of the character described, an insulated support, a pair of terminals mounted upon said support and adapted to be included in an electric circuit including a source of current and an energizable device, an air chamber mounted upon said support, a flexible diaphragm forming a wall of said chamber and in circuit with one of said terminals and adapted to be distended to close the circuit through the other one of said terminals and energize the signal upon expansion of the air in said chamber responsive to the action of heat, a. fixed temperature element mounted in said chamber and means normally holding said element in inoperative position-and responsive to the action of heat to release said element whereby it will positively move said diaphragm into circuit-closing position.

3.` In a device of the character described, an insulated support, an air chamber mounted thereon, a plate forming a wall of said chamber and provided with an opening therein. a flexible diaphragm mounted on said plate, a pair of electrical contacts mounted upon said support and in circuit with a source of current supply and a signal, a conductor connecting said diaphragm with one of said contacts, said diaphragm adapted to be distended to circuit closing position relatively to the other one oi said contacts and ener- 'chamber responsive to the action gize the signal upon expansion oi it will move through the opening and force said diaphragm into circuit-closing 4'. A device of the character sulating support, a pair mounted thereon in circuit rent supply and a signal, an on said support, a flexible with said air chamber and normally spaced from one of said contacts, spring means normally hold# ing said diaphragm in inoperative spaced relation to said rst contact and electrically connectsaid second contact, a spring element enclosed by said chamber and fusible means adapted upon fusing to permit said spring element to move said diaphragm into circuit-closing position relatively to said iirst contact.

5. In a device ci the character described, an insulating support, a breather opening therein, a pair of electrical contacts mounted thereon, a heatresponsive air chamber connected to said support and communicating with said breather opening, 'a plate mounted in said chamber and provided with an opening therein, aexible diaphragm engaging said plate but spaced from said support to provide a relief chamber having an air passageway communicating with the at--l mosphere, spring means connected to one of said contacts and engaging said diaphragm to normally retain it from engagement with the other contact, a releasable fixed temperature element mounted in said air chamber and fusible means normally holding said element in inoperative position and adapted, upon fusing, to permit said element to move through the opening in said plate and move said diaphragm into circuit closing position relatively to said other contact.

6. In a device of the character described, an insulated support, an air chamber mounted thereon, a flexible diaphragm associated with said chamber and in circuit with ,a source of current supply and a signal and adapted to be distended toclose the circuit and energize the signal upon expansion of air in said chamber and a sealed fixed temperature element normally held under tension and releasable by the action of heat to move said diaphragm into circuit closing position and energize the signal.

7. In a device of the character described, an insulating support, a pair of electrical contacts mounted upon said support and adapted to be included in an electric circuit, a hollow metal shell mounted upon said support and forming a heat responsive chamber, a flexible diaphragm electrically connected with one of said contacts and forming one Wall of said chamber, means mounting the diaphragm upon said support normally in spaced relation with the other one of said contacts and movable by the expansion of air in said chamber for bringing the contacts into electrical connection, a resilient element mounted in said shell and adapted for moving the diaphragm into circuit closing position, and fusible means securing said element in a restrained position upon the inner surface of the shell in spaced' relation with the diaphragm, and said fusible means adapted to fuse and release said element at a predetermined temperature for engaging and moving the diaphragm.

position. described, an inwith a source oi curair chamber mounted diaphragm associated oi electrical contacts v inner surface of the shell,

casarse 'i l moved by the expansion of air in said chamber for bringing the contacts into electrical connection a spring metal plate having members thereof arranged at approximately right angles adjacent to its medial portion, means permanently securing one end of said plate upon the means fusible at a predetermined tenziperatineV securing the opposite end of said plate upon the inner surface of the shell `with said plate restrained from engage" ment with the diaphragm, and said plate arranged for engaging the medial portion thereof `with the diaphragm for moving the latter into circuit closing position relatively to said contacts upon the iusing of the fusible means.

9, in a device ci the character described, an insulating support, a pair ci electrical contacts mounted upon said support and included in an electric circuit, a metallic shell mounted upon said support and forming a heat responsive chamber, a flexible diaphragm electrically connected with one of said contacts and forming one wall of said chamber, means mounting the diaphragm upon said support normally in spaced relationV with the other one oi said contacts, said dlaphragm adapted to be moved by the expansion of air in said chamber for bringing the contacts into electrical connection saidsupportiorming insulating means between the diaphragm and the shell, a resilient element mounted in said chamber adapted for moving the diaphragm into circuit closing position relatively to said contacts, means fusible at a predeteed temperature securing said element in a restricted position upon said shell in spaced relation with the diaphragm, and insulating means interposed between said element and the diaphragm for insulating said element when in engagement vvith the diaphragm.

l0. In a device o the character described, an

li. in a device oi the character described, an insulating support, electrical contacts mounted upon said support and included in. an electric circuit, a metallic shell mounted upon said support and forming a heat responsive chamber, a neiribie diaphragm electrically connected with one of said contacts and iog one Wall of said chamber, means mounting the diaphragm upon said support normally in spaced relation with the other one oi the contacts, said diaphragm adapted to be moved by the expansion of air in said chamber for bringing the contacts into electrical connection a spring metal plate having mexn= bers thereof arranged at approximately right angles adjacent to its medial portion, means permanently securing one end ci said plate-upon the shell, means iusible at a predetermined temperature securing the opposite end ci said plate to the shell with the plate restrained from engagement with'the diaphragm, a sheet of insulating mate- \ria1 interposed between the medial portion oi the plate and the diaphragm, said sheetv having end tongues formed thereon, said plate having apertures formed therein for receiving said tongues and securing said sheet upon the plate,

and said plate arranged for moving the diaphragm into circuit closing position relatively to said contacts upon the fusing ci said fusible' means.

i2. 'in a device of the character described, an

insulating support, a pair cielectrical contacts said contacts into electrical connection upon the expansion of air in said chamber against the diaphragm responsive to the action of heat, an annular ange upon said diaphragm of smaller Y diameter than the shell, a shoulder upon said insulating support, a pair of electrical contacts A mounted upon said support and included in an electric circuit, a metallic shell mounted .upon the support forming a heat responsive air chamber, a. exlble diaphragm electrically connected with one of said contacts and forming one vvall of said chamber, means mounting the diaphragm upon .said support in spaced relation with the other one of said contacts, said diaphragm adapted to be moved by the expansion oi air in said chamber for bringing the contacts into electrical connection a spring metal plate having members arranged at approximately right angles adjacent to its medial portion, means permanently securing one end of the plate upon the shell, means fusible at a. predetermined temperature securing the opposite end of said plate upon the shell with the plate spaced from' the diaphragm, a sheet of insulating material mounted upon the medial portion of the plate for insulating the latter from the diaphragm, and said plate arranged for moving the diaphragm into circuit closing position relatively to said contacts upon the fusing of said fusible means.

support upon which the ange of the diaphragm is secured in spaced relation with the shell, a plate A having an annular ange mounted upon theange of the diaphragm, said plate having a central opening formed therein, a spring plate'located' in seid chamber and adapted for movement through said central opening oi' the plate into engagement with the diaphragm for moving the latter into a position to bridge said contacts, and fusible material normally securing the spring plate upon the inner surface ci the shell in spaced relation with the diaphragm and adapted to fuse and release the spring plate at a predetermined temperature, 13. A thermostat comprising an insulating support having a pair of terminals mounted thereon and a contact member mounted therethrough, a metallic conductor connected to one of the said terminals and to the 'said contact member, a diaphragm positioned across an aree. of the said insulating support,said diaphragm normally positioned in spaced relation to thesaid contact member, a flexible contact member connected to the other one of the said terminals land engaging the said diaphragm, a metallic member amxed to the said insulating support, a spring' metal strip aiiixed at one of its ends by conventional means to the said metallic member and having' its other end afiixed'to the said metallic member by means of fusible solder, the said spring said diaphragm, a exible contact member con l nected to the other one of the said terminals and engaging the said diaphragm centrally thereoi, a metallic shell aixed to the said insulating support, a spring metal strip aillxed at one end of its ends by conventional means to the said metallic shell and having its other end aixed to the said metallic shell by means of fusible solder, the said spring metal strip normally tending to move into engagement with the said diaphragm and 4being retained in strained position by the said fusible solder and adapted upon the fusing thereof to move into the said opening oi the said shield and into engagement with the said diaphragm and cause the said exible conductor to be moved .into engagement with the said contact member so as to complete a circuit through the device.

l5. In a circuit closer, an insulating support member, a pair 'of circuit terminals mounted thereon, and a contact member mounted there through, a metallic' conductor connected to one of the said terminals and to the said contact member, means adapted to establish an electrical circuit between the said terminals, said means comprising a' flexible conductor connected to the other one of the said terminals and having a portion thereof spaced apart from although adjacent to the said contact member, a shell aiiixed to the said support member, a, spring aiiixed to the said shell by means of fusible material, the said spring adapted upon being freed at one end thereof by the fusing of the fusible material to move toward the said flexible conductor, means positioned between the said spring and the saidflexible conductor adapted to receive and direct movement of the said spring to the said ilexible conductor to insure the application of the spring's movement thereto, said means comprising a diaphragm positioned over a relatively large area of the said support member, said flexible conductcr adapted to move into contact with the said contact member upon being moved by the said diaphragm and spring, so as to establish an electrical circuit through the device.

16. A thermal circuit controller having a pair of electrical terminals adapted for connection with a source of current supply and an energizable device, an air chamber positioned in -operative relation to said terminals, a distendable element associated with said chamber and adapted to be distended to establish electrical connection vbetween said terminals and energize said device by pressure of the expanded air in the chamber against said element responsive to the action of heat and means inert to the expansion of air in said chamber but responsive to the action of heat for also distending said element to establish electrical connection between said terminals.

17. A thermostat comprising an insulating support having a pair of circuit terminals mounted thereon and a contactmember mounted therethrough, a metallic conductor connected to one 1 of the said terminals and to the said contact member, a secondary metallic contact member connected to the other one of the said terminals and spaced apart from the said contact member, al metallic shell positioned on the said support, a spring metal strip affixed to the said metallic shell by means of fusible solder, the said spring metal strip being retained in strained position and adapted upon the fusing of the solder to forcefully engage the said secondary metallic conductor end move the same into engagement with the said contact member, so as to complete a circuit through the device.

ld. A thermostat comprising an insulating support having a pair oi circuit terminals mounted thereon, and a contact member mounted therethrough, a metallic conductor connected to one of the said terminals and to the said contact member, a secondary metallic contact member connected to the other one oi the said terminals and spaced apart from the said contact member, a metallic shell positioned on the said support, a spring metal strip oiangular formation having one oi its ends afiixed to the metallic shell by conventional means and having its other end aillxed tothe said metallic shell by means ci fusible solder, the said spring metal strip being retained in strained position and adapted upon the fusing o the fusible solder to engage the said secondary metallic conductor and move the same into engagement with the said contact member so as to complete a circuit through the device.

i9. In a device oi the character described, an insulating support, a pair of electrical contacts mounted upon said support and adapted ior connection with a source or current supply and an energizable device, an air chamber mounted upon said support, a exible diaphragm electrically connected with one ci said contacts and forming one wall of said chamber and adapted to be distended to bring said contacts into electrical connection and energize said device by pressure of the expanded air in the chamber against the diaphragm responsive to the action of heat, said chamber having a restricted orifice through which the air in the chamber may slowly equalize with the atmosphere, means for regulating the rate oi' discharge through said orifice, said chamber having a second aperture in communication therewith through which air under pressure may be injected into said chamber for testing and regulating the rate of discharge through said restricted orice, and means for sealing said second aperture.

20. In a device of the character described, an insulating support, a pair oi' electrical contacts mounted upon said support and adapted for connection with a source of current supply and an energizable device, a shell secured upon said support forming an air chamber, a flexible diaphragm electrically connected with one of said contacts and forming one wall of said chamber and adapted to be dlstended to bring into electrical connection said contacts and energize said device upon the expansion of air in said chamber against the diaphragm responsive to the action of heat, said chamber having a restricted orifice through which the air in said chamber may slowly equalize with the atmosphere, means securing the periphery of the diaphragm upon said support, said diaphragm being of smaller diameter than said shell and located in spaced relation with the latter, said support having a testing aperture formed therein and communicating with said chamber between the periphery of the diaphragm essere@ lli and the shell and adapted for injecting sir under pressure into said chamber for testing the reu spense of scid diaphragm te sir under pressure, and means for sealing seid testing aperture.

2L .in e. device of the character described, en insulating support, e, pair of electrical 'contects mounted upon said support and adapted for ccnrxection with a. source of current supply end en energizehle device, an annuler enge upon seid support, e thin metal hemispherical shell secured upon said ange and forming au air chamber, seid chamber having a. restricted orice through which air in seid chamber may slowly equalize with the atmosphere, e, flexible diephragmelectrcally connected with one o saidcontacts end trlcel connecticu by cir in the chemie-er the eiepmeem respcua sive to the ci heet, means securing the periphery ef the diephregm upon seid support,

seid diaphragm heine of smaller diameter than seid shelf. erm? lccete in spaced peleticn with the letter, seid support heving aconicel eperture formed therein emi communicating with seid chamber betr-reen the periphery of the diaphragm and the shell ami located. seperately from seid restricted oriceg said .conical aperture tapering nwerdly tower@ seid chember, emol adapted for injecting air under pressure into seid chamber or testing purpcses endmeens for sealing seid pressure of the expendec 

